LAMONT, Calif. -- Kern County Animal Control officers spent Friday morning looking for loose dogs that could pose a threat to kids waiting for the bus or walking to school.

"It's just dangerous because you never know a dog's temperament," said Guy Shaw, the Animal Control division chief. "It can look really nice and without any warning, a child could be playing, start running and not knowing about this dog, the dog sees him, chase after him and bite."

Eight dogs were taken to the pound, and officers issued 38 citations for dogs without a license or without vaccines and loose dogs off a leash.

It was almost a polar opposite of a sweep they did earlier this week in Buttonwillow, in which almost 40 dogs were impounded and around 15 citations were issued, Shaw said.

That was because there are more strays in Buttonwillow, while in Lamont, more of the dogs have owners, just not a lot of them are playing by the rules, officers said.

"These are not responsible pet owners," Shaw said. "That's what is sad for me, if you're going to have a dog, secure it so it doesn't get out."

TIPS FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN

Courtesy Kern County Animal Control

Adults and children should be careful when approached by a dog that they do not know. Any dog can bite, it does not matter what the dogs size or breed. Before the school year begins remind children of what to do if they encounter a strange dog:

Remain calm and quiet. Do not run and scream. Instead avoid

eye contact with the dog and stand very still, like a tree, until the dog moves away.

Do not pet unfamiliar dogs, without asking permission from the

dogs owner first.

Be cautious around a dog off-leash outside; tell an adult

immediately about the dogs presence.

Do not touch or play with a dog that is sleeping, eating or

caring for puppies.

Do not threaten or tease a dog.

There are things a dog owner can do to greatly reduce the risk of their dog biting someone:

Spay or neuter your dog.

Socialize your dog to feel at ease around people, and other

animals. Never place your dog in a situation where he/she feels threatened or teased.

Keep your dog on a leash when it is not confined on your own

property. It is a Kern County ordinance that when a dog is off its owners property, the dog must be on a leash. Loose dogs can be frightening to children and a danger to themselves and motorists if they run into oncoming traffic on the road.

Responsible pet ownership and appropriate behavior around unfamiliar dogs are the keys to the prevention of dog bites. For more information on responsible pet ownership, adopting an animal or to report a loose dog, contact Kern County Animal Control at 661-868-7100.